I am working with a client who is seeking a high-level executive. We received an application from a woman who wasn’t qualified for this particular position, but she was highly qualified for another opportunity within the company. The problem was that the salary for the position she qualified for was about 30k less. I called her to discuss the new opportunity, and I very clearly pointed out the difference in annual salary. She was in!
She interviewed with us 4 different times: the phone, 2 via zoom, and 1 in-person. She completed 3 different assignments, and she nailed the interviews. My client was very excited and made her an offer at the TOP of the range that we posted for that lower position.
5 days later, she requested 35k more than the offer.
In other words, she requested the salary from the original job that she applied for but ultimately wasn’t qualified.
My client called me to discuss this, because he had to cut her loose. Paying her that much would have thrown off the comp structure for his whole organization. But did we miss something?
Yes, we did. She never applied for the position that we considered her for. However, I still believe the risk in redirecting her was worth the potential reward. Why?
Because my client did something that REALLY good CEO’s do: he tried to take the opportunity and turn it into a win. He saw a highly talented person and tried to put her in a place that she ultimately didn’t want to be. It took us a while to figure this out.
I am proud of my client for taking a chance. Who knows? It could have worked out. And, when an applicant applies for a position and you offer them another one, make sure that the salaries are comparable. You will have a much better chance of success.
POWER THOUGHT: Pay attention to the position for which the applicant is applying. Maybe your round peg ends up being square after all.